Sustainability has been a key theme in the fashion industry over the last 12 months but hosting the first ever Drapers Sustainable Fashion event last week highlighted how widespread the ambition is for fashion businesses to move towards a greener future.

Entries are now open for the Drapers Digital Awards - recognising the best of the best in ecommerce across the fashion industry in the UK and Ireland.

Sports Direct Group’s head of elevation, Mike Murray, and Flannels’ head of brand, Carl Tallents, exclusively unveil their UK and international expansion plans for Flannels and explain why Sports Direct is betting big on the high street.

Drapers Footwear Awards 19 will recognise and celebrate the footwear's very best from across the UK and Ireland.

We have 18 exciting categories up for contest, including International Footwear Business of the Year and Best Sustainable Initiative of the Year.

Sports Direct Group’s head of elevation, Mike Murray, and Flannels’ head of brand, Carl Tallents, exclusively unveil their UK and international expansion plans for Flannels and explain why Sports Direct is betting big on the high street.

Moss moves to secure her brand

Kate Moss could be gearing up to build an online branded empire, after she trademarked her name and included a specific clause focused on internet retailing.

The model and designer of the Kate Moss for Topshop range, which hits stores on Monday, has registered her name with the UK Intellectual Property Office. The application referenced the sale of products online, such as clothing and jewellery.

Pinsent Masons trademark attorney Lee Curtis said the move suggested Moss could be planning to leverage her reputation and brand name. "She is monopolising retail services in the fashion sector and has a specific online interest, which suggests that is where she is going. She is likely to license out her name. The move also stops others from trading on her name."

Moss is expected to appear alongside Sir Philip Green to launch her range at Topshop's Oxford Street store. The 60-piece offer, priced from £12 for a vest top to £200 for a leather jacket, will go on sale at 8pm, with Moss modelling the clothes on a platform above the crowds.

A source said the range would be an ongoing strategy. "It is continuous and will be reviewed in the autumn," he said. Moss's representatives were unavailable for comment.

Moss's range has come under fire from designer Jeff Banks, who criticised her design and artistic skills. However, Marks & Spencer boss Stuart Rose said: "It's not our bag, but if people want to cash in on fame then good luck to them."

Sir Philip Green is drawing up restructuring plans to save his ailing Arcadia Group empire, but industry insiders have told Drapers the business is not sustainable in its current state, and selling the brands that are thought to be underperforming is the only way to revive its fortunes.

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